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Results tagged ‘ Fisher House Wisconsin ’

Last night, Jonathan Lucroy attended President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress as the guest of Sen. Ron Johnson.

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Lucroy was being honored for his charitable efforts, among them many associated with military veterans, most notably Fisher House Wisconsin, which services families of veterans receiving care at Milwaukee’s Zablocki VA Medical Center. In November, Lucroy traveled with veterans on an Honor Flight to visit the World War II and Korean War memorials in Washington, and he has also provided scholarships to military families.

The senator remarked: “Mr. Lucroy, the All-Star catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has become a hero to Wisconsin sports fans with his excellent performance on the field. But to me, he is an even bigger hero off the field: He is using his baseball fame to highlight some great Wisconsin charities.”

“It’s not about political affiliation,” Lucroy told Brewers.com’s Adam McCalvy. “But am I interested in politics? Yes, and this is a thing that not a lot of people get to experience, so why not go and experience it? I’m going to be able to go tour some stuff that people don’t get to tour, and see some things most people don’t get to see. I love history, so why not go and do it and get to tell my kids about it?”

This morning, Sen. Ron Johnson announced that Jonathan Lucroy will be his guest when the president offers his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The senator remarked: “Mr. Lucroy, the All-Star catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has become a hero to Wisconsin sports fans with his excellent performance on the field. But to me, he is an even bigger hero off the field: He is using his baseball fame to highlight some great Wisconsin charities.”

Among them:

He supports initiatives to support the finest among us, the Americans who have served in the armed forces, by supporting Fisher House Wisconsin, planned as a “home away from home” for the families of veterans receiving care at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.

He invites wounded heroes to Brewers games and meets with them, and he visits veterans hospitals in Wisconsin, in St. Louis, in Washington and on road trips.

He works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and with the Miracle League of Milwaukee, which provides opportunities for all children to play organized baseball, regardless of ability.

Jonathan said, “I am honored that Senator Johnson has asked me to be his guest at the State of the Union. We both share a passion for veterans and serving those who serve us, and I am looking forward to the privilege of being in our nation’s Capital for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Sen. Johnson said, “The president inspired millions when he spoke of Americans of differing opinions coming together for the common good. Nearly two centuries ago, Alexis de Tocqueville was astonished at the way Americans came together voluntarily to solve problems left to the state or aristocrats in other countries. Mr. Lucroy’s charitable service illustrates these ideals by shining a light on the good work Wisconsinites are doing for their communities. It is an honor to in turn honor Mr. Lucroy.”

This year, 5K participants were encouraged to fundraise online for Fisher House Wisconsin, which provides a “home away from home” for military and veterans’ families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Tonight, Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation presented a $25,000 check to John Quinette, the Executive Director for Fisher House Wisconsin.

Many thanks for all the online contributions as well as the generous donations from Jimmy Nelson and Jonathan Lucroy.

Today, the Milwaukee Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation participated in the groundbreaking of Fisher House Wisconsin at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. The ceremony took place in front of a standing room crowd of over 400 people.

The afternoon ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel. A South Milwaukee native, Wetzel was awarded a Medal of Honor for actions he performed in the Vietnam War. It was an honor to be in the presence of someone so brave and the respect he was given all afternoon was incredible and well-deserved.

Gore, Walker and Moore all spoke at the event to talk about the importance of the Fisher House to Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Also on hand to speak today was Dan Buttery who spearheaded fundraising efforts to get Fisher House built here, and, Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. Fisher, an avid baseball fan, admitted to being a bit nervous as he will be throwing out the first pitch tonight at Miller Park.

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The Fisher House program is a unique, private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, as well as the hardships of military service, by offering shelter and support during a medical crisis. Located on the grounds of VA hospitals and other military medical centers, Fisher House facilities give a comforting “home away from home” while a loved one is receiving care in an unfamiliar environment.

Fisher House provides an option for military and veterans’ families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Nationwide, Fisher House served over 22,000 families last year at its 64 houses.

Currently, 8,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are utilizing the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center for treatment of their wounds and injuries. Without Fisher House, they must arrange overnight accommodations at area hotels or with friends and family during their course of treatment.

The need is so great that the future Milwaukee home will be one of the largest built in the United States of America, allowing veterans and their families living beyond 50 miles from the Milwaukee VA hospital to stay overnight at no cost. Fisher House Wisconsin is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2015.

Fisher House Wisconsin will be over 13,000 square feet inside with 16 bedroom suites capable of accommodating up to eight people per suite. The warm and comfortable interior of the suites will be professionally decorated and beautifully furnished. Functionally, guests and their families will have access to well stocked kitchens and inviting living rooms, complete with a library and toys for children. Highly trained staff and caring volunteers are available to help all Fisher House guests.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation will take part in the groundbreaking of Fisher House Wisconsin tomorrow at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee (5000 W. National Avenue). The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and feature appearances from Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy and television announcer Bill Schroeder. Brewers Community Foundation has made contributions to Fisher House Wisconsin over the past few years.

“Brewers Community Foundation has always been supportive of our veterans and armed forces,” said Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of Brewers Community Foundation. “Fisher House Wisconsin is a terrific organization that allows us to localize that support, and this will be great to have in our neighborhood.”

The Fisher House program is a unique, private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, as well as the hardships of military service, by offering shelter and support during a medical crisis. Located on the grounds of VA hospitals and other military medical centers, Fisher House facilities give a comforting “home away from home” while a loved one is receiving care in an unfamiliar environment.

Fisher House provides an option for military and veterans’ families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Nationwide, Fisher House served over 22,000 families last year at its 64 houses.

Currently, 8,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are utilizing the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center for treatment of their wounds and injuries. Without Fisher House, they must arrange overnight accommodations at area hotels or with friends and family during their course of treatment.

The need is so great that the future Milwaukee home will be one of the largest built in the United States of America, allowing veterans and their families living beyond 50 miles from the Milwaukee VA hospital to stay overnight at no cost. Fisher House Wisconsin is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2015.

Fisher House Wisconsin will be over 13,000 square feet inside with 16 bedroom suites capable of accommodating up to eight people per suite. The warm and comfortable interior of the suites will be professionally decorated and beautifully furnished. Functionally, guests and their families will have access to well stocked kitchens and inviting living rooms, complete with a library and toys for children. Highly trained staff and caring volunteers are available to help all Fisher House guests.

The proposed budget for the project is $6 million, much of which will be funded by the Fisher House Foundation. However, fully half of the project cost will need private support from the community. For more information on Fisher House, please visit fisherhouse.org.

Yesterday, Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, announced that Jonathan Lucroywas named the Milwaukee Brewers 2013 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet.

Today marks the 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Lucroy is one of the 30 Club finalists for the annual award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. The 15-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Lucroy has been a consistent supporter of military initiatives, primarily Fisher House Wisconsin, which is a facility for military veterans and their families receiving treatment at the Milwaukee VA Hospital. Each month, he invites wounded heroes to Brewers games and meets with them. He often visits veterans’ hospitals in Milwaukee, on road trips and near his home in Louisiana. Lucroy also provided in-kind support and recorded a PSA for the city-wide initiative to hire veterans. For the past three years, he has provided $5,000 scholarships to military families.

Lucroy is active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes and visiting hospitals. He created a PSA for Fisher House as well as the Brewers Community Foundation’s 5K Sausage Run/Walk in support of Fisher House and served as a spokesperson for the MDA Team Muscle Walk and BCF’s Drive for Charity. He also participates in the Brewers’ youth clinics. Additionally, Lucroy supports the Miracle League, which allows all children to play organized baseball regardless of ability. Along with his military support, he has been very supportive of Brewers Community Foundation, which focuses on health, education, recreation and basic needs.

Lucroy will be recognized as the Brewers’ nominee for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet in a pre-game ceremony at Miller Park prior to tonight’s game. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will also appear on the bases and the official dugout lineup cards.

The distinguished list of past national Roberto Clemente Award recipients includes 14 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame:

1971

Willie Mays+**

1982

Ken Singleton

1993

Barry Larkin+

2004

Edgar Martinez

1972

Brooks Robinson+**

1983

Cecil Cooper

1994

Dave Winfield+

2005

John Smoltz

1973

Al Kaline+

1984

Ron Guidry

1995

Ozzie Smith+

2006

Carlos Delgado

1974

Willie Stargell+

1985

Don Baylor

1996

Kirby Puckett+

2007

Craig Biggio

1975

Lou Brock+

1986

Garry Maddox

1997

Eric Davis

2008

Albert Pujols

1976

Pete Rose

1987

Rick Sutcliffe

1998

Sammy Sosa

2009

Derek Jeter

1977

Rod Carew+

1988

Dale Murphy

1999

Tony Gwynn+

2010

Tim Wakefield

1978

Greg Luzinski

1989

Gary Carter+

2000

Al Leiter

2011

David Ortiz

1979

Andre Thornton

1990

Dave Stewart

2001

Curt Schilling

2012

Clayton Kershaw

1980

Phil Niekro+

1991

Harold Reynolds

2002

Jim Thome

1981

Steve Garvey

1992

Cal Ripken, Jr.+

2003

Jamie Moyer

+ Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame

** Originally known as the Commissioner’s Award (prior to 1973)

Beginning today, on Roberto Clemente Day, fans are encouraged to participate in the process of selecting the national Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet recipient by visitingChevyBaseball.com, which is powered by MLB Advanced Media, to vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. Voting ends on Sunday, October 6 and participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to the 2013 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet will be announced. The winner of the fan vote will receive one vote among those cast by the selection panel.

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